Robinson Crusoe and Chincha Norte join healthy ocean challenge – Oceanographic Magazine

Conservation Efforts on Robinson Crusoe Island and Chincha Norte: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

Robinson Crusoe Island: Biodiversity and Community-Led Restoration

Robinson Crusoe Island, part of the Juan Fernández Archipelago, spans approximately 47.94 square kilometres, featuring rugged terrain with steep cliffs and dense forests. The island hosts more endemic species than the Galápagos, contributing significantly to SDG 15: Life on Land. Its coastal benthic communities are diverse, including species such as the Juan Fernández lobster and the Juan Fernández fur seal.

The island is home to critically endangered species like the Juan Fernández Firecrown hummingbird and the Pink-footed Shearwater. Local community members are actively engaged in restoring and rewilding the island by removing invasive predators, aiming to enhance the island’s ecological health, protect marine life, and support their community’s well-being, aligning with SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

1. Preservation of endemic and endangered species
2. Removal of invasive predators to restore natural habitats
3. Community involvement in conservation efforts

Julio Chamorro, Head of Robinson Crusoe’s Sea Council, emphasized the intergenerational commitment to conservation: “This is a dream that came from our ancient ancestors… for our ancestors, for ourselves, for our children, and for those who have not been born yet.” This statement reflects the principles of SDG 4: Quality Education through the transmission of traditional ecological knowledge.

Chincha Norte Island: Restoration of a Guano Island and Marine Biodiversity

Chincha Norte, the largest of the Chincha Islands, measures approximately 1.3 kilometres in length and one kilometre in width. Composed primarily of granite, the island is known for its extensive guano deposits, a result of historically large seabird populations. The surrounding waters support diverse marine life, including various fish and invertebrates, as well as seabird species such as cormorants, pelicans, and gannets.

Recent challenges include a 90% decline in bird populations due to El Niño events and avian influenza, highlighting urgent conservation needs aligned with SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

• Rich marine biodiversity and seabird habitats
• Significant decline in bird populations due to environmental and health factors
• Importance of guano deposits for ecological and historical value

The Government of Peru has committed to using the restoration of Chincha Norte as a pilot project to evaluate the potential recovery of other historic guano islands, supporting SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through collaborative conservation initiatives.

Jose Luis Cabello, Island Conservation’s Head of Operations in Latin America, stated: “The Chincha Islands, and especially Chincha Norte, embody a unique convergence of Peru’s natural richness and its historical legacy. Their restoration is a commitment to preserving a cultural and environmental treasure for future generations.” This underscores the integration of SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions in environmental stewardship.

Conclusion

The conservation and restoration efforts on Robinson Crusoe Island and Chincha Norte demonstrate a holistic approach to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals. By protecting biodiversity, supporting community engagement, and addressing climate and health challenges, these initiatives contribute to a sustainable future that honors both ecological integrity and cultural heritage.

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1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water – The article discusses marine biodiversity, including endemic species, marine life around the islands, and efforts to restore marine habitats.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land – The focus on endemic terrestrial species, invasive predator removal, and island ecosystem restoration relates to the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action – The mention of impacts from El Niño events and avian influenza implies climate-related challenges affecting biodiversity.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The community involvement in conservation efforts reflects sustainable management of local environments and cultural heritage.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 14 Targets:
   • 14.2 – Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
   • 14.4 – Effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
2. SDG 15 Targets:
   • 15.1 – Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • 15.5 – Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity.
3. SDG 13 Targets:
   • 13.1 – Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
4. SDG 11 Targets:
   • 11.4 – Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators related to biodiversity and ecosystem health:
   • Population trends of endemic and endangered species (e.g., Juan Fernández Firecrown hummingbird, Pink-footed Shearwater, Juan Fernández lobster, fur seal).
   • Recovery rates of seabird populations on Chincha Norte island after restoration efforts.
   • Extent and health of marine benthic communities and coastal ecosystems.
2. Indicators related to invasive species management:
   • Number and impact of invasive predator species removed from the islands.
3. Indicators related to climate resilience:
   • Incidence and impact of climate-related events such as El Niño on biodiversity.
4. Indicators related to cultural and community engagement:
   • Community participation in conservation and restoration activities.
   • Preservation status of cultural and natural heritage sites.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: oceanographicmagazine.com